From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
There is public outrage by the residents of Benue state over the lukewarm attitude exhibited by the police over the incessant invasion of unknown baudits who have continued to visit mayhem on the people.
It could be recalled that in Gbamjimba, Guma local government area last Saturday where over 50 persons were killed, policemen who were drafted to the area fled back to Makurdi and were ordered to return there.
Similarly, the people have complained bitterly of the governor’s absence from the state in the face of the clashes.
On Tuesday, armed herdsmen invaded Agena village in Mbalom Community, Gwer local government area killing over 20 persons whose corpses littered most of the hospitals in Makurdi, the state capital.
Over 6000 Police officers are said to have been deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to the state under the leadership of the DIG Operations, Force Headquarters, Michael Zuokumor.
Residents have however complained that the police are not seen anywhere thus leaving the people vulnerable to attackers.
A social critic, Engr. Baba Agan lamented the non proactive nature of the police, saying, “ I only heard that there are police officers in the state but I have not seen them anywhere. Maybe it is mere rumor. The police need to do a lot to protect the lives of the people who are being attacked on a daily basis”.
While a prominent indigene and PDP elder in the State, Chief Abu King Shuluwa regretted that the State is completely insecure, adding that, “some of us do not even go out but remained indoor to protect ourselves”
In the street too, the people are grumbling over the insensitivity of security agents to their plight.
Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Media and Public Affairs Dr, Cletus Akwaya said his boss travelled to the Vatican on religious visit with the President and then to Netherlands for the World Summit.
Meanwhile, a security meeting was convened yesterday by the Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani in government House.
Though no details of the outcome was made known to Journalists, however, Chief Lawani appealed to the people to remain calm, assuring that government is doing everything possible to stop the senseless killing and burning of Tiv villages by the Fulani militia.
